Today could be the last game played on the old AstroTurf surface of Morse Field in Orono.

Regardless, the seniors on the University of Maine football team want their last memory of Alfond Stadium to be a positive one as they play their final home game in the Black Bears’ navy blue home jersey.

Rhode Island (2-7) at Maine (3-6), Alfond Stadium, Orono, noon: The Bears will be dedicating today’s effort toward their 12 seniors, while at the same time trying to continue their momentum with a third consecutive victory.

UMaine (2-4 in Colonial Athletic Association play) takes on a Rhode Island squad (1-5 CAA) that presents some unique challenges because of its triple-option offense.

Coach Jack Cosgrove’s Bears go into the contest with some injury concerns. Redshirt freshman quarterback Adam Farkes is out with a left shoulder injury suffered in last week’s victory over Towson, while junior tailback Jhamal Fluellen has been getting treatment on his ailing shoulder.

“Neither has practiced to this point and Farkes won’t,” Cosgrove said Thursday afternoon.

That means first-year player Chris Treister of Cape Elizabeth, a former Portland High School standout, is the backup quarterback behind sophomore Mike Brusko, who led the Bears to victory a week ago.

UMaine’s defense must contend with an option offense that requires players to stay on their assignments. The Rams rank second in the league, rushing for 249 yards per game.

Fullback Joe Casey (98 ypg) has been a key weapon, along with halfbacks Jimmy Hughes (61 ypg), Jerell Jones (42 ypg) and QB Derek Cassidy.

However, Casey also is dealing with a chronic shoulder problem and missed last week’s game. Cassidy has been dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out of last Saturday’s stunning 12-6 overtime victory over No. 3 Massachusetts.

“This is one [offense] you really have to amp up your level of discipline,” Cosgrove said. “There’s jobs you have to perform.”

The Bears’ defensive keys are linebackers John Wormuth and Andrew Downey, along with ends Jovan Belcher and Pat McCrossan.

Brusko will be back at the helm of the UMaine offense, which ranks last in the CAA in scoring (15.2 ppg) and total yards (292 ypg). If Fluellen can’t play, Jermaine Henderson will step in and try to pick up where he left off last week.

Wideout Landis Williams gives the Bears a dangerous threat on the outside.

URI has allowed 32.8 ppg and ranks 11th among 12 CAA teams while giving up 414 ypg. The Rams’ top tacklers are linebacker L.T. Brantley and safety Matt Hansen.

BEAR TRACKS: A victory today would give Cosgrove 80 wins at UMaine and tie him with Harold Westerman (1951-66) on the school’s career list. Cosgrove is in his 15th season … URI won last year’s meeting 3-0 at Kingston, R.I., in virtual monsoon conditions. The Rams had a similar weather-related win against UMass last week.

Colby (2-5) at Bowdoin (2-5), 12:30 p.m.: The coveted Colby-Bates-Bowdoin series title is up for grabs as the White Mules and the Polar Bears clash for the 121st time since the rivalry began in 1892.

Bowdoin leads the series 63-47-10.

Colby is coming off a 19-13 upset of Tufts last weekend, while Bowdoin thumped CBB rival Bates 31-7. The White Mules downed Bates 20-13 two weeks ago.

The difference in this game could well be turnovers. The Polar Bears lead the New England Small College Athletic Conference in turnover margin at plus-14, having caused a league-best 28 turnovers.

Colby, on the other hand, has committed a conference-high 28 turnovers. The Mules have a minus-15 turnover margin.

Bowdoin and Bates rank 9th and 10th, respectively, in NESCAC total offense and the Polar Bears also have surrendered a league-high 376 ypg.

Today’s other game: Bates (0-7) at Hamilton (2-5), noon